Apple vs. OpenAI: Trade Secret Battle Escalates

Apple has reportedly sent legal preservation letters to about 40 former employees. This action is part of its widening trade secrets lawsuit against OpenAI. The letters follow Apple's lawsuit filed last week against OpenAI and two former Apple employees. Apple alleges that OpenAI used confidential information related to its hardware engineering and product development. This information supposedly supports OpenAI's own consumer hardware plans. Apple's complaint names OpenAI and former Apple staff members Tang Yew Tan and Chang Liu. Tan is OpenAI’s Chief Hardware Officer and worked at Apple for 24 years. Liu joined OpenAI's hardware team after working at Apple as a senior system electrical engineer. Apple claims OpenAI recruited key engineers and benefited from proprietary designs and manufacturing processes. Apple's complaint also states that over 400 former Apple employees now work at OpenAI. OpenAI denies the allegations. The company states it has "no interest in other companies’ trade secrets." Apple is asking the court to stop OpenAI from using any Apple confidential information. It is also seeking damages. This case could become a major legal battle over talent and trade secrets.